MAN DROWNS IN FALL FROM RIVER BARGE

OSCEOLA, Ark. -- Parma native Benny Jackson drowned Sunday morning after falling into the Mississippi River near Osceoloa.

Jackson, 20, who was also known as B.J. by his former co-workers and boss, Steve Glenn, at Luhr Brothers in Cape Girardeau, had just transferred to the barge a few weeks ago.

"B.J. was a pretty nice guy and a good worker," Glenn, who is a port captain, said. "He worked for me on the boats here before moving to the drag barge line."

According to a report filed with the Osceola Sheriff's Department, Jackson was painting the grinding room on the barge at approximately 9:30 a.m. when he fell into the river. The barge was stationary at the time of the accident.

There were no witnesses to the accident.

Jackson was wearing a safety harness that was connected to the boat by an eyelet chain. Sgt. Bryan Crites said the report filed Sunday said that when Jackson's co-workers found his body, they discovered that the chain eyelet had snapped and was in two pieces in the water.

"There was no foul play," Crites said. "It was ruled an accident."